Former NFL Raiders QB Ken Stabler Dies at 69, Family Donates Brain for Research

Former NFL player and Oakland Raiders star quarterback Ken Stabler succumbed to complications of his Stage 4 colon cancer on Wednesday.

Stabler, who was known to be one of the best passers during his time, died at age 69, ESPN reported.

"The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler. He was a cherished member of the Raider family and personified what it means to be a Raider. He wore the silver and black with pride and poise and will continue to live in the hearts of Raider fans everywhere. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny's family," said team owner Mark Davis in a statement quoted in the ESPN report.

During his 15-year football career, Stabler was able to throw 27,938 yards and had a 96-49-1 record as a starting quarterback. He led his team town the Super Bowl XI versus the Minnesota Vikings.

Former Raiders coach, John Madden, also mentioned in the ESPN report that Stabler was responsible for a number of victories.

"I've often said, if I had one drive to win a game to this day, and I had a quarterback to pick, I would pick Kenny. Snake was a lot cooler than I was. He was a perfect quarterback and a perfect Raider. When you think about the Raiders you think about Ken Stabler. Kenny loved life. It is a sad day for all Raiders," Madden added.

In a similar New York Times report, it was noted that the talented quarterback played for the Houston Oilers after 10 seasons with the Raiders. He then concluded his career with a three-season tenure in New Orleans.

The same report added that Stabler had a lot of memorable plays during his career including the 1978 Holly Roller.

"He fumbled the ball forward toward Dave Casper, who recovered it in the end zone for a game-winning touchdown against the San Diego Chargers in 1978," added the New York Times noting that the quarterback did it on purpose.

This resulted in the change of rules in the NFL concerning forward fumbles.

After his death, NBC Sports said that his family will be donating his brain and spinal cord to Boston University's Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center to support their research on brain diseases in athletes.

This act was reportedly in connection to the 2012 lawsuit that Stabler and 73 others filed against the NFL for the injuries suffered by players due to concussions. NBC Sports said that the case is near settlement, but the research on the relationship between football and long-term health concerns is still ongoing.

Stabler's family also requested kind souls to make donations to the XOXO Stabler Foundation which supports research of "colon cancer and sports-­related head trauma."